NUTRITION Q:What are some suggestions for reducing my carb intake at Thanksgiving? A: That's a great question and the answer will vary slightly based on where your meal will take place. If you are hosting the meal then it's an easy fix to create vegetable side dishes that are lower in carbs. Skinnytaste.com has some great options. Or it can be as simple as including a veggie tray and/or a meat and cheese tray with your meal. Squash is an option as a lower carb vegetable so long as it's free of added sugars. If you are going somewhere else see if you can find out what the meal will be, if there are no low carb options request to bring a side dish to share. Regardless of the location of the meal and whether or not you have control of the food choices, you definitely have control of your portions. So go ahead and try everything if you must, just be sure to reduce your portion size of the carb heavy items and load up on things like turkey and green veggies. And also be sure to take your medications. Don't lie to yourself about the carb count or neglect to test your blood sugar, it's important on these days to be aware of what's going on so if you are on insulin you can dose accordingly. Last tip, get active. Go for a walk, play an active game with family, start decorating the house for Christmas. Just add some activity to help utilize all that extra energy you ate. And don't forget to enjoy the time with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving! Jessica Carter Registered and Licensed Dietitian 218-556-9089 CORE HEALTH 1900 Division St., Unit 1 Bemidji, MN corehealthbemidji.com NUTRITION & YOGA NUTRITION Q:What are some suggestions for reducing my carb intake at Thanksgiving? A: That's a great question and the answer will vary slightly based on where your meal will take place. If you are hosting the meal then it's an easy fix to create vegetable side dishes that are lower in carbs. Skinnytaste.com has some great options. Or it can be as simple as including a veggie tray and/or a meat and cheese tray with your meal. Squash is an option as a lower carb vegetable so long as it's free of added sugars. If you are going somewhere else see if you can find out what the meal will be, if there are no low carb options request to bring a side dish to share. Regardless of the location of the meal and whether or not you have control of the food choices, you definitely have control of your portions. So go ahead and try everything if you must, just be sure to reduce your portion size of the carb heavy items and load up on things like turkey and green veggies. And also be sure to take your medications. Don't lie to yourself about the carb count or neglect to test your blood sugar, it's important on these days to be aware of what's going on so if you are on insulin you can dose accordingly. Last tip, get active. Go for a walk, play an active game with family, start decorating the house for Christmas. Just add some activity to help utilize all that extra energy you ate. And don't forget to enjoy the time with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving! Jessica Carter Registered and Licensed Dietitian 218-556-9089 CORE HEALTH 1900 Division St., Unit 1 Bemidji, MN corehealthbemidji.com NUTRITION & YOGA